If we didn’t have pets, our lives wouldn’t be so happy. I will never understand people who hate animals. Anatole France once siad, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Pets make us smile, laugh and help overcome troubles and survive the hardest days. Living with a pet – be it a dog, a cat, or a hamster – is always a lot of fun. Each day I come back home feeling tired, stressed and irritated, but once I see my lovely dogs, my evening becomes brighter and happier. Here are a few precious lessons you can learn from your pets.

1. Smile

You may think animals can’t smile but they actually can – they just do it in their own way. My dogs wig their tails joyfully once they see me (or my friends) and I know that they greet me with their smiles. Pets can teach you smile more often regardless of how tired or irritated you are today. After all, we don’t need any reason to smile, do we? Smiling for no reason is not a sign of madness, don’t worry.

2. It’s easy to be happy

People tend to complicate things but happiness is not complicated. Whether you are rich or poor, have many friends or one true friend, you can be happy every single day. Pets prove us that we don’t need money to live a happier life. Spending more time with people you love or doing something you enjoy is enough to boost your mood and happiness in a matter of minutes.

3. Enjoy the little things

Pets enjoy the little things, such as lying in the sun, playing in the green grass, running in the park and smelling the flowers, which make them happy. Those things can make you happy as well. Learn how to enjoy the smallest things around you and teach your children to do the same.

4. How to have fun daily

Pets enjoy doing fun things and they do them each day. People often forget about fun because of busy schedules, household chores, and many other obligations. Doing fun things regularly is an important step to a happier life. Playing with your pet and/or kids, walking in the park, riding a bike, dancing, reading, swimming, listening to music, and watching inspiring movies are all good options to consider.

5. Getting enough sleep is important

No matter what’s happening in my house my dogs and cat fall asleep at the same time each day. I think it’s their secret of a happy and healthy life. Really, we work hard and party all night long and want to be active, happy and healthy, but it’s impossible. You need to get enough sleep each night and take a short nap (though most pets tend to take a longer nap) in the middle of the afternoon to feel happier, healthier and full of energy.

6. Show others you are happy

Pets don’t hide their feelings like many of us do. You may hide your happiness because your friend or coworker is sad and unhappy, but don’t do it. First, because hiding any emotions is unhealthy. Second, because you can make others feel happier too. When I feel down, my little canine friends share their happiness with me and it helps me feel better instantly. Show other people you are happy and share your positivity with them. Maybe you will make their day or simply make them smile.

7. Express your desires and needs

Pets know exactly how to show their owners what they need or want. They mew, bark, crawl up right into their owner’s lap or just chirp when they want to eat or play. Unlike pets, people can’t express their desires and needs and it causes them a lot of troubles. Remember, we can’t read each other’s mind so let’s learn to tell others what we want or need no matter the situation.

Pets can teach us a lot of useful things so following their example is a good way to change your life. Leading a healthy, happy life is not as complicated as you think. Pay closer attention to your pet’s habits and you will see you don’t need to have a lot to be happy. What lessons did you learn from animals?